Shaq Is Coming To Decatur

DECATUR, GA -- NBA legend ... top-dollar pitch man ... sports commentator ... and children's book author.

That's Shaquille O'Neal. And he's coming to Decatur.

O'Neal will be in town Saturday, April 30, to promote his new book for kids, "Little Shaq Takes a Chance."

The event will be from 10 a.m.-noon at First Baptist Church of Decatur, at 308 Clairemont Ave.

Illustrated by Theodore Taylor III, "Little Shaq Takes a Chance" is O'Neal's second children's book, a follow-up to "Little Shaq."

It's being released May 26, and encourages children to find their true talents. From the book's description on publisher Bloomsbury's website:

Like most kids, Little Shaq doesn't love trying new things, especially if he might not be very good at them. So when his class is assigned projects for the school's upcoming art show, he's not sure that his skills will transfer from the basketball court to the art studio. Rosa, Lindy and Barry have their projects all figured out. Can Little Shaq find the confidence to embrace his own style and create a piece for the show?

At the Decatur event, tickets for the autograph-signing line will be given to the first 300 people to buy a copy of "Little Shaq Takes a Chance" at the event.

Shaq will sign up to three total copies, or a copy of his new book and one of "Little Shaq."

He will not be able to personalize books and there will be no signing of memorabilia. Visitors are asked not to bring jerseys, photos or other sports equipment to be signed.

There will be no posed photos or selfies with Shaq allowed.

The event is co-sponsored by the Georgia Center For the Book.

(Photo courtesy Bloomsbury Publishing Inc.)